Fitness trackers are devices that you wear to track a variety of different aspects. One can easily wear a fitness tracker to improve their health and/or track their progress while maintaining fitness. They can also be used to track sleep cycle, heart rate and daily steps taken; which will assist you to a better, more efficient work out. There is a wide variety of options and device variations when it comes to choosing the right fitness tracker for yourself. However, with all of the added options it might add confusion. Below are some tips and top recommendations for choosing the top fitness tracker, based on your activities and preferences, and with the best features that fit your needs.
How Much To Spend On A Fitness Tracker?
Depending on your budget, fitness trackers range from $25 to $500. The features of fitness trackers are entirely dependent on the price range. The cheaper fitness trackers may not necessarily include a display so you may need to rely on your smartphone to track how many steps you have taken etc. Expensive trackers have high-quality displays along with features like a GPS and a built-in portable heart rate monitor.
However, these trackers are ideal for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. If you are someone whose primary activity includes walking, you might find a fitness tracker that works best for your needs in the range of $25 to $100. If you are someone who works out a lot and needs plenty of features, you should be prepared to spend at least $100 on your next fitness tracker.
Choose Your Tracker Style
A very important question to ask yourself before choosing a fitness tracker is, “What type of device do I want?” Fitness trackers come in a variety of different devices such as; clip-on, rings, smartwatches, bracelets and bands.
FITBIT CHARGE 4
Key Features And Specifications
- GPS tracker
- Allows contactless payments
- SpO2 sensor
- Most accurate sleep tracking data
The new version of Fitbit Charge includes a GPS tracker that allows you to track all your runs while keeping your phone at home. It includes a new feature called Fitbit Pay which allows you to make contactless payments. If you happen to carry your phone along with you, you can control the Spotify playlist with this device. This device also has a new feature called Active Zone Minutes. This feature measures any fast activity which is a heart training exercise. It will recommend a work out at different levels based on your fitness level and age.
Although this device does not have a coloured screen it has a fairly clear and bold menu and the icons are easy to read. Fitbit Charge 4 can track sleep, weather forecasts and can recommend breathing exercises. The SpO2 sensor is a major striking feature for sensing both blood oxygen and resting heart rate, heart rate variability and even breathing rate.
A favourite feature of these fitness trackers is the sleep tracking data. It is one of the most accurate ones in the market. It is also waterproof and can track data from general workouts to yoga and much more.
XIAOMI MI SMART BAND 6
Key Features And Specifications
- Most affordable
- Tracks up to 30 types of sports activity
- SpO2 sensor
- Tracks sleep stages
The latest version of the Xiaomi Mi Smart fitness trackers Band is launched. It is one of the best fitness tracking bands to have on a budget. The screen size has been upped to 1.56-inch AMOLED display which gives a clear and bold vision. The device is capable of tracking up to 30 different types of sports activity. The SpO2 sensor is a new addition for checking blood oxygen levels, sleep oxygen levels, along with sleep stages like REM. The downside of this device is the lack of a GPS tracker.
GARMIN FORERUNNER 35
Key Features And Specifications
- Sporty designs
- Slim and lightweight
- GPS tracker
- Waterproof
- Offers live tracking feature
Garmin has been undoubtedly the best fitness tracker device choice when it comes to the adventurous lot. This brand has been at the forefront when it comes to this category. It is well-liked for its sporty designs and GPS tracking features. Garmin is a class apart because it does not only produce devices that have good faces but their models meet all your expectations when it comes to your needs.
Whether you need mapping, something waterproof or just going for a swim. Garmin is the ultimate choice for every fitness freak. The Garmin Forerunner 35 is budget-friendly as opposed to the other options and it also has a lot to offer.
The device offers heart rate monitoring via your wrist throughout the day. Its GPS tracker tracks how fast and how far you have been running. It also offers smart notifications and updates your data to Garmin connect. Garmin connect is an online fitness community where you can join different fitness challenges and share your progress with others. Forerunner is very slim and lightweight allowing it to be worn very easily while you are on the go. You can stay connected to your family and friends via the live tracking feature which shows your loved ones your real-time runs.
WAHOO FITNESS TICKR FIT Heart Rate Monitor Armband
Key Features And Specifications
- Slim and lightweight
- Apple TV and Apple Watch integration
- Display with LED indicator lights
- Real-time heart rate and calorie tracker
- Works with over 50 apps
With the WAHOO TICKR you can connect, share and track your activities. The heart rate monitor tracks your heart rate while also advising you of how many calories you burn during your activities. The new and improved design is slim and very lightweight making it one of the slimmest heart rate monitors ever. The device is equipped with ANT+ and Bluetooth technology which allows you to connect your heart rate to other fitness devices and fitness training apps.
It can also support up to three Bluetooth connections simultaneously. The comfortable grip of the band gives you a more secure fit while training. You can also connect this tracker to your Apple TV and Apple Watch.
Best Fitness Trackers Below $50, On A Budget
For people who are looking for the best of the best on a budget; there are a few trackers that offer the best features and specifications for just less than $50.
HONOR BAND 5
Key Features And Specifications
- Step tracking
- Heart rate monitor
- SpO2 monitor
- Water-resistant
- Sleep monitoring
- Up to 14 days battery life
- Compatible with both iOS and Android support
- Phone notifications
- Priced at around $30
The Honor Band 5 is your best choice if you want to buy the best fitness tracker at the lowest price. The best thing about this design is that this tracker offers many features that are not available on expensive trackers. This device offers; a colour display with the best pixel resolution, a SpO2 sensor, a heart rate sensor, sleep tracker and the general basic monitoring of different types of exercises. You can swim for up to 50 meters with this device. The Honor Band 5 offers up to two weeks of battery life and supports both iOS and Android.
Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 key
Key Features And Specifications
- Displays notifications
- Supports both iOS and Android
- Tracks sleep, stress and steps
- Features a heart rate sensor
- 15 days of battery life
- Tracks walking, workouts and running
- High waterproof rating
- Priced under $50
The Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 is priced at approximately $50, making it the best choice on a budget. This fitness tracker has a 1.10inch AMOLED screen that is a lot slimmer than its predecessor. This tracker counts steps, monitors sleep and can also monitor stress levels via its optical heart rate monitor. Galaxy Fit 2 has automated workout support for various activities such as running and indoor rowing. The device can be worn in the pool but unfortunately fails to monitor the activity accurately.
The AMOLED display lets you view your notifications and reply to messages if you are an Android user. It allows you to control your music. You can choose from a wide variety of different colours and faces. The battery life is approximately a week long. At the end of the day, if you value accuracy over other factors then definitely opt for the Xiaomi tracker.
HUAWEI Band 4 Pro – Smart Band Fitness Tracker
Key Features And Specifications
- Available in multiple bright colours
- Has a strong built-in GPS
- Offers sleep care
- Heart rate monitoring for 24-hours
- Water-resistant
- 0.95-inch touchscreen display
- 10 days battery time
- Tracks running, yoga, cricket, hiking, climbing, walking and cycling
The Huawei Band Pro offers 24-hour heart rate monitoring. It gives vibration alerts if your heart rate exceeds a certain limit. The device is highly intelligent and offers accurate sleep monitoring as well. It can identify approximately six different types of sleep issues and offers scientific recommendations for treating them.
The powerful built-in GPS feature allows you to be phone free. It offers fast and reliable positioning services while you are running, cycling or open water swimming. This fitness tracker can track all of your fitness activities. It features a sharp and clear display that includes a 0.95-inch coloured touchscreen.
